Assignment 2: Planned Evaluation Approach And Questio 637072

Assignment 2 Planned Evaluation Approach And Questions Part 2due Wee

Describe the planned approach as it applies to the object of the evaluation (selected from text, Chapters 5–8). Explain your rationale and provide research support for the approach. Describe three (3) major areas with a question for each and provide three (3) sub-sets of questions for each major question. There should be a total of 12 questions altogether.

Provide a rationale and research support (external references) for the question areas. Describe the stakeholders, analyze reasons they should be involved, and ways to obtain their involvement. Use at least three (3) peer-reviewed academic resources in this assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

Evaluation planning is a critical component of assessing the effectiveness and impact of educational programs. It provides the framework for systematically collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to determine whether program objectives are being met. The approach chosen for evaluation depends largely on the nature of the object of evaluation, which, in this case, is based on texts from Chapters 5 to 8 of the relevant course material. This paper delineates a structured evaluation approach, justifies the chosen methods with scholarly support, identifies key focus areas with specific questions, and discusses stakeholder involvement.

Evaluation Approach and Rationale

The evaluation approach applied here is a mixed-methods design, encompassing quantitative and qualitative techniques. This approach ensures comprehensive data collection, capturing both measurable outcomes and contextual insights. Quantitative methods, such as surveys and assessments, allow for statistical analysis of performance metrics, while qualitative methods, like interviews and focus groups, provide depth and understanding of underlying factors affecting the program.

The rationale for employing a mixed-methods approach stems from the complex nature of educational interventions and the necessity of triangulating data to obtain valid conclusions. According to Creswell and Plano Clark (2018), mixed-methods enable evaluators to corroborate findings through multiple data sources, strengthening the validity of results. Moreover, this approach accommodates diverse stakeholder perspectives, ensuring that multiple facets of the program are assessed thoroughly.

Research supports the use of mixed-methods in educational program evaluation. For example, Patton (2015) emphasizes that combining qualitative and quantitative data enhances evaluation richness and usefulness. Similarly, Scriven (1991) advocates for a comprehensive evaluation framework that synthesizes different types of evidence to inform decision-making effectively.

Major Evaluation Areas and Questions

Based on the evaluation object, three critical areas have been identified, each associated with a core question and supporting sub-questions. These areas are: Program Effectiveness, Stakeholder Engagement, and Implementation Fidelity.

1. Program Effectiveness

Main Question: To what extent does the program achieve its stated objectives?

  • Sub-question 1: What measurable improvements have participants demonstrated since the program's inception?
  • Sub-question 2: How do participant outcomes compare to baseline data and external benchmarks?
  • Sub-question 3: What are the long-term impacts on participants’ skills and knowledge?

2. Stakeholder Engagement

Main Question: How effectively are stakeholders involved and engaged in the program?

  • Sub-question 1: What are stakeholders’ perceptions of their involvement and contribution?
  • Sub-question 2: What barriers exist that hinder stakeholder participation?
  • Sub-question 3: How can stakeholder engagement be enhanced to support program sustainability?

3. Implementation Fidelity

Main Question: Is the program being implemented as intended?

  • Sub-question 1: What deviations from the planned implementation are observed?
  • Sub-question 2: How do variation and fidelity impact program outcomes?
  • Sub-question 3: What contextual factors influence the implementation process?

Research Support for the Question Areas

Research underscores the importance of these areas. Effectiveness evaluations commonly focus on outcome achievement, as emphasized by Rossi, Lipsey, and Freeman (2004). Stakeholder engagement is crucial for program sustainability, with Bryson (2004) highlighting that meaningful participation enhances program relevance and acceptance. Implementation fidelity, as discussed by Carroll et al. (2007), is a predictor of program success, asserting that fidelity influences outcome validity. Together, these questions form a comprehensive framework grounded in scholarly evidence, ensuring a balanced assessment of program performance.

Stakeholders: Identification and Involvement

Stakeholders in educational program evaluation encompass program participants, educators, administrators, policymakers, and community members. These individuals have vested interests and unique insights that are vital for an accurate and complete assessment. Engaging stakeholders fosters transparency, builds trust, and encourages buy-in, which is essential for data collection and subsequent program improvement.

Reasons for involving stakeholders include obtaining diverse perspectives, validation of findings, and promoting shared ownership of the evaluation process. To facilitate stakeholder involvement, strategies such as regular communication, participatory evaluation methods, and creating feedback opportunities can be employed. Furthermore, involving stakeholders from the planning phase ensures their concerns and suggestions are integrated into the evaluation design.

Research suggests that stakeholder involvement correlates with higher evaluation utility and program sustainability (Fitzpatrick et al., 2011). Active engagement helps in identifying relevant evaluation questions, interpreting results meaningfully, and implementing recommended changes effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a mixed-methods evaluation approach grounded in a solid theoretical framework offers a comprehensive means to assess educational program effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and implementation fidelity. The carefully developed questions, supported by scholarly research, ensure that evaluation outcomes are reliable and actionable. Engaging stakeholders throughout the process is critical to enhancing the utility and sustainability of program improvements. By systematically applying this approach, educators and evaluators can make informed decisions that foster continuous improvement and stakeholder confidence.

References

  • Bryson, J. M. (2004). What to do when stakeholders matter: The case of analysis and influence in public settings. Public Management Review, 6(1), 21-53.
  • Carroll, C., Patterson, M., Wood, S., Booth, A., Rick, J., & Balain, S. (2007). A conceptual framework for implementation fidelity. Implementation Science, 2(1), 40.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. SAGE Publications.
  • Fitzpatrick, J. L., Sanders, J. R., & Worthen, B. R. (2011). Program Evaluation: Alternative Approaches and Practical Guidelines. Pearson.
  • Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. SAGE Publications.
  • Rossi, P. H., Lipsey, M. W., & Freeman, H. E. (2004). Evaluation: A Systematic Approach. SAGE Publications.
  • Scriven, M. (1991). Evaluation thesaurus. SAGE Publications.
  • Welsh, M., & D’arcy, C. (2018). Engaging Stakeholders in Program Evaluation. New Directions for Evaluation, 2018(157), 69-81.

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